EQ6 Upgrade, How Difficult?

[sherr03]

Hi i have a EQ6 mount and was looking at upgrading it with this kit from FLO First Light Optics - SynScan PRO GOTO Version 3 Upgrade Kit for EQ6

Just a few questions before i shell out the cash.

1) How easy it the kit to fit?

2) Will my mount then be a NEQ6 Pro Synscan?

Thanks

Matt

[Ant]

It will not be a NEQ6 - but a EQ6 Pro Synscan.

The upgrade isn't difficult. I did a step by step guide to the upgrade for an HEQ5 - which will be very very similar here.

Even for my immense lack of DIY skills - I found it very easy.

http://stargazerslounge.com/primers-tutorials/62172-primer-heq5-synscan-upgrade.html

Cheers

Ant

[Dave Smith]

Have you considered going down the EQmod route? Provide you don't mind using a laptop it is fantastic and all the software is free. You just need the EQdir adapter also from FLO.

First Light Optics - HitecAstro EQDIR adapter

Many people who use this sell their handsets as they are no longer needed.

Dave

[sherr03]

Thats great just printed that out. Whats the difference between the EQ6 Pro Synscan and NEQ6?

[sherr03]

Yes Dave thats exactly what im thinking.

[spaceboy]

I plan on going down the GT upgrade route soon. I figured it would also be a good excuse to strip the mount to clean, re-grease with white lithium and tweak the worms gears etc. I did my EQ5 a while back and it's not until you have handled the black sticky tar substance that synta use as grease that you realize just how bad it is to the overall performance of the mount. Once greased with white lithium the movements so are much smoother.

I "think" but not sure! that the puck is the only difference on the NEQ6 allowing for dovetail and vixen type attachments ?????????

[Ant]

I believe that the only difference is the puck and a longer counter weight bar.

But I'm not 100% sure,

Ant

[sherr03]

Can you just buy everything except the Handset? I looked on OVL and found these details:-

20192

EQ6 PRO SynScan Handset Cable

21.99

20150

Motherboard for EQ6 PRO

99.99

20151

Motherboard for Standard EQ6

69.00

20105

Dec Stepper Motor for EQ6 PRO

59.00

20104

RA Stepper Motor for EQ6 PRO

59.00

so what would i need to order?

[spaceboy]

Would it not work out the same cost as having the kit ?

[Cornelius Varley]

Buy the full upgrade kit - works out cheaper. And if you sell sell the handset it will be even cheaper. Although I would keep the handset because you may want to contol the mount directly. First Light Optics - SynScan PRO GOTO Version 3 Upgrade Kit for EQ6

Peter

[sherr03]

Cheers for the help ill order the kit later. What white lithium did you use spaceboy and ill do that at the sametime?

[sherr03]

Just Ordered

[spaceboy]

Cheers for the help ill order the kit later. What white lithium did you use spaceboy and ill do that at the sametime?

Halsowen cycles sell it. I think it's about £3-£4 for a small tube but money well spent. You have to make sure you get all the old grease off as apparently it reacts with the lithium grease and dries it out.

[sherr03]

Cool I'll pop in I haven't been there for years. Thanks

[ollypenrice]

Thats great just printed that out. Whats the difference between the EQ6 Pro Synscan and NEQ6?

It varies but in my case nothing at all. I have one of each, both bought new, and there is no difference. Some late NEQ sixes have a different saddle plate, I think, but nothing of consequence so far as I'm aware.

Olly

[sherr03]

Just done the Mod tonight and only took about 15 minutes. Had a quick play around and its great. Thanks for the help guys.

[spaceboy]

Where's the picture update then

[sherr03]

Here you go!

[spaceboy]

Looking good. I bet the 150P is rock solid on an EQ6. Did you re-grease the worms or not bother?

[sherr03]

Yes it's rock solid. Problem is it needs collimating I think and I've never done that. Also need to learn how to polar align the mount correctly. Wish there was a hands on course I could go on. Thanks